Pub landlord parking fury

A pub landlord who was given a ticket while he unloaded supplies has joined the outcry against council parking wardens in Kidderminster.

Dave Hipkiss, of The Boars Head Taphouse, says he was given the notice on a Sunday morning for leaving a delivery vehicle outside the pub in Worcester Street.

Other traders in the Horsefair, Lion Street and Bridge Street areas have also complained about the limited parking times now in force.

Mr Hipkiss, aged 63, said: "I was unloading and had put the supplies downstairs and stopped for a cup of coffee but when I returned I found a ticket on the vehicle.

"Why there are double yellow lines outside the pub I don't know because this is a cul-de-sac and not a through road.

"Also the day I got the ticket was a Sunday morning. There were no traffic problems. It is just impossible to be able to unload and pack deliveries away within 15 minutes."

Mr Hipkiss said that the "hassle and cost" of arguing a case in court meant many people just paid up the £30 within 14 days rather than face it rising to £60.

He added: "Some of these parking wardens are slap happy with their tickets, although some are good.

"The council has also introduced 15-minute parking areas around the town but this is literally making it impossible for people to park and shop."

Wyre Forest District Council leader, councillor John Campion, said: "The enforcement regulations are designed to ensure car parking spaces turn over quickly and that traffic flows freely.

"People have to obey the regulations but there is also a request that common sense is exercised."